The effectiveness evaluation of a multimedia hepatitis C prevention program for Hispanic HIV-infected individuals.

Introduction: With the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has become a primary health problem among individuals suffering from HIV/ AIDS in Puerto Rico, principally those who are injecting drug users (IDUs). A multimedia educational intervention, based on the Health Beliefs Model and Social Cognitive Theory was developed and implemented to reduce HCV-associated risk behaviors among IDUs.

Methods: A pre- and post- intervention study evaluated the knowledge and behavioral changes in a group of HIV-infected persons recruited from February 2006 through December 2008.

Results: A total of 110 participants were recruited: all were IDUs; 82% were men; 86.3% were HIV/HCV co-infected and 24.5% had active injected drugs in the month prior to recruitment. The group mean age was 42.2 +/- 9.2 years and mean educational level was 10th grade. Knowledge of HCV risk behaviors, perception of HCV susceptibility, and perception of disease severity increased after the intervention. Knowledge of HCV clinical manifestations and HIV co-infection complications and treatment also improved. In addition, HCV risk behaviors and injecting drug practice decreased significantly among IDUs.

Conclusions: This new multimedia intervention captured and maintained the participants' attention and interest, facilitating their educational process. Thus, greater attention and interest leads to greater knowledge and prevention improvement.